In February, members of our community spoke out to create real, and systemic change in Tampa.
On Thursday, May 20, the Tampa City Council is again considering important proposals for a citizen review board. Let's make our voices heard on these critical proposals so our community has a meaningful voice regarding policing transparency and accountability.
More than 100 jurisdictions across the country have some type of civilian oversight commission or board, but very few communities feel that they have true control over their police departments.
Make your voice heard by speaking during the public comment portion of the city council meeting virtually or by adding your comments to the public record through written comment, to be read aloud by during the meeting.
Community members can watch the City Council meeting live by going to https://livestream.com/cityoftampa/cttv during the meeting.
Community Asks:
- Democratize the appointments and allow more placements to be made by city council. Currently the Mayor appoints the majority of the Citizen’s Review Board (CRB) members.
- The CRB should appoint and maintain its own attorney. Currently the CRB shares an attorney with the City of Tampa Attorney’s office.
- The CRB should be able to get other relevant evidence like camera door footage. Subpoena power would exclude the subpoenaing of police officers. Currently the CRB lacks any sort of subpoena power or ability to gather and review evidence.
- The CRB should have the authority and discretion to examine cases brought to the CRB by the community and control its own agenda. Currently the Chief of Police decides what the CRB can investigate.
You can make your voice heard on these proposals a few different ways, including by email, phone or through virtual testimony.
- Send written comments by internet or web at https://www.tampa.gov/PublicComment (for Meeting Type, make sure to check "City Council Public Meeting Agenda Item", 05/20/21 for meeting date and "CRB" for Subject)
- Send written comments by email to TampaCityCouncil@tampagov.net
- Send written comments by US Mail to City of Tampa City Clerk, 315 E. Kennedy Blvd., 3rd Floor, Tampa, FL 33602.
- Speak remotely during public comment with the use of CMT: Complete the form at https://www.tampa.gov/PublicComment AND state on the form under “Request Type” that you wish to speak live during the public comment period. You will then be contacted with additional instructions on how to participate live through the use of CMT.
